Book a flight to Johannesburg with Qatar Airways

Book a flight to Johannesburg with Qatar Airways and find out for yourself why it is one of the most diverse cities in South Africa

A 19th-century gold rush gave birth to the city that is now home to vibrant cultural and economic scenes. Known locally as “Joburg” or “Jozi”, it has shaken off its troubled past and is now firmly set on realising a bright future.

New developments in the city centre and inner suburbs ensure that modern-day Johannesburg is thriving. From the cultural hub of Newtown to the historic Soweto township, the city has plenty on offer for curious travellers.

Take a trip to Johannesburg and discover a city, where each corner has a distinct character. Newtown is the city's cultural district, home to museums, galleries and jazz clubs. Your itinerary should include a visit to Mary Fitzgerald Square, a city plaza teeming with restaurants and cafés. The square is also home to Museum Africa and the Market Theatre.

Learn about South Africa's turbulent past and how it shaped the present by visiting the Apartheid Museum in Soweto. You can easily spend half a day here, browsing through interactive displays that chart the rise and fall of apartheid.

In Soweto, you will also find the first house where South Africa’s greatest son, Nelson Mandela, lived. It has now been turned into a museum.

It's worth travelling to the northern suburbs, where the Johannesburg Planetarium and the South African National Museum of Military History can be found. Four hours outside the city is Kruger Park, one of the country’s most important sporting arenas.

Taking a guided tour is the best way to ensure you don't miss out on any of the main sights when you travel to Johannesburg. Discover the city’s complex history and various sights at your own pace by taking a walking tour or a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Some of the places worth exploring include the Constitution Hill and Gold Reef City Theme Park.

If you want to escape the city centre’s hustle and bustle, head for the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. There are picnic and braai (South African barbecue) spots here, as well as the opportunity to spot birds, such as the endangered black eagle. If you’re travelling to Johannesburg with your family, don’t miss Lion Park, where you can visit cubs and enjoy a self-drive trip through the game area. Watch out for giraffes, zebras, antelopes and, of course, lions.

Areas such as Sandton City are becoming increasingly popular among tourists, particularly if some serious retail therapy is the order of the day.

The range of culinary offerings available in Johannesburg's restaurants is as diverse as the city itself. South African dishes take influences from Indian and Malay flavours, but cuisine from many different regions can also be found here. The trend is for al fresco dining, and it is possible to eat well for a reasonable price. You'll also find no shortage of fine-dining establishments offering top-quality cuisine that fuses both regional and international flavours.

Local dishes focus heavily on meat, but there are vegetarian options as well. Outdoor braai (barbecue) typically includes lamb chops, marinated chicken, and sosaties (lamb meat on skewers). You'll also find dishes such as bobotie, which is made of minced beef or lamb mixed with curried spices and egg sauce. Chakalaka is a Malay-Indian salad comprising cauliflower, carrots and spices. After your meal, try some rooibos or red bush tea, which is widely served and is a great, caffeine-free alternative to traditional black tea.

Craft markets are the ideal place to pick up beautifully made wire and bead jewellery or African curios. Try the Rosebank Flea Market on Sundays and Mai Mai, the city's oldest market, for unusual souvenirs.

For arts and crafts, visit the city's malls, many of which are filled with chain stores, but some feature independent shops. Johannesburg has over 360 independent stores where you can haggle for the best prices. For the high-end international brand options, head to Cresta Mall or Sandton City.

Essential facts about Johannesburg

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